PM accords reception to athletes

Demonstrating her passion for sports once again, prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday accorded a reception to the country’s leading athletes and players, who brought laurels for the nation at the international arena over the past six months, on the occasion of Bangla New Year 1424.

As many as 339 athletes, coaches and officials attended the over one-hour long programme at the PM’s official residence Ganobhaban in the evening.

The prime minister first handed over the keys of apartments to three 2016 South Asian Games gold medalists-swimmer Mahfuza Khatun Shila, weightlifter Mabia Akter Simanta and shooter Shakil Ahmed.

In her speech after distributing the cheques of gifts among some 339 players, the prime minister said her government will continue to do whatever necessary for flourishing sports in the country. “Our Awami League government will continue to do whatever necessary for flourishing sports and games,” she added.

Noting that the improvement of sports is not possible single handedly and that government and private sponsorships are very much necessary, she renewed her call to the well-off section of society to extend their hands of cooperation and all-out support for spreading various sports and games.

Hasina said although the sportsmen and athletes of Bangladesh have gained successes, they will have to go further.

She also observed that those who are very much associated with the country’s sports arena have notable contributions towards placing the country into a dignified position in the global arena.

The prime minister expressed her heartfelt thanks to the players for their successes and greeted them on the Bangla New Year.

She said she has provided the cheques as the New Year gifts to the players who have further brightened the image of Bangladesh in the global arena through various sports disciplines.

Hasina said sports and the exercise of cultural activities are very much essential in the life of juvenile and youth alongside academic activities.